Best Plunge Router 2018 Reviews and Comparisons

If you are about to undertake a variety of tasks that involve cutting wood at a specific depth and in a specific style, you will need a plunge router. A plunge router will help you to create the effects you need, quickly and easily, with a lot less fuss than if you cut the wood by hand. The only trouble is there are so many plunge routers on the market right now that it may be difficult to know which tool is the right one for you. Here is where we come in and make life a little easier. Below you will find 5 of the best plunge routers on the market, meaning you’re closer to finding the right plunge router for you.

Product Reviews

The Triton TRA001 Dual Mode Precisions Plunge Router is a tough-looking piece of equipment that comes with a micro winder that enables the user to continuously have fine depth adjustment. Sold for approximately $272, the Triton has side vents which help to reduce the intake of dust.

With a 3-1/4 HP motor, and the ability to run from 8,000 to 21,000 RPM, the TRA001 can be table mounted for ease of use. The single button allows users to switch from a fixed-based router to a conventional plunge, and the fully enclosed guarding offers a lot of protection. Weighing 19.4 pounds, and measuring 10.2 x 12.9 x 11.4 inches, the Triton TRA001 has a good reputation for being easy to use, and a powerful and reliable plunge router.

The Bosch 1617EVSPK Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router comes with an aluminum construction, and 2 soft-grip handles. Sold for approximately $219, it is cheaper than the Triton model, which could appeal to those who would like to spend a little less money. With 2 ¼ horsepower and speeds ranging from 8,000 rpm up to 25,000 rpm, the Bosch certainly seems to offer a lot. Weighing 18.2 pounds, and measuring 6.2 x 19.5 x 14.5 inches, the 1617EVSPK comes with Bosch Precision Centering, which works to allow the bit to stay centered, for more accurate results.

Built for use over a number of years and with a motor that is housed in aluminum, this plunge router comes with a sealed power switch that helps to protect it from dust. With a good reputation for being powerful and easy to control, this model definitely seems to be one of the better plunge routers out there

The DEWALT DW618PK 12 Amp 2 ¼ HP Plunge Router Kit is a sturdy-looking piece of kit that comes with a 12 amp variable speed motor, and an adjustable cam lock. With a dust collection system that collects up to 95% of the dust and 2 ¼ horsepower, this plunge router kit means business. The sub-base offers users optimum bit visibility, and the fixed base allows users to easily change the bit. Sold for approximately $198, this is the cheapest router we have seen so far.

Weighing 22.6 pounds, and measuring 15.9 x 24 x 9.1 inches, the DEWALT has a good reputation for having a solid build and a lot of power. Complete with a kit box, and a fixed base, plunge base, ¼ inch and ½ inch collets, the kit also comes with a wrench, sub-base gauge, vacuum adapter and large hole sub-base.

The DEWALT DW618PK 12 Amp 2 ¼ HP Plunge Router Kit is a sturdy-looking piece of kit that comes with a 12 amp variable speed motor, and an adjustable cam lock. With a dust collection system that collects up to 95% of the dust and 2 ¼ horsepower, this plunge router kit means business. The sub-base offers users optimum bit visibility, and the fixed base allows users to easily change the bit. Sold for approximately $198, this is the cheapest router we have seen so far.

Weighing 22.6 pounds, and measuring 15.9 x 24 x 9.1 inches, the DEWALT has a good reputation for having a solid build and a lot of power. Complete with a kit box, and a fixed base, plunge base, ¼ inch and ½ inch collets, the kit also comes with a wrench, sub-base gauge, vacuum adapter and large hole sub-base.

The Hitachi KM12VC 2 ¼ Peak HP Variable Speed Router Kit comes in at just $158 (Approximately) and has a tough yet modern finish and an 11 amp motor that allows the user to make precise cuts. With the ability to keep the RPM’s up even when the load varies, the Hitachi also comes with a 2-stage release clamp and is thought to be quieter at just 79.5 dB than many other plunge routers.

Buying Guide

Power

There are many different plunge routers on the market, and many of them offer more or less power than their competitors. The amount of power that they offer can affect the RPM. If you’re looking for a plunge router to use every now and again, you may want to opt for a router that doesn’t have very much power, however if you’re looking for a router to use very frequently, you’re likely to need quite a bit of power, so that you can get more jobs done.

RPM

Many routers will allow you to adjust the RPM so that you can work as quickly or as slowly as you wish. The speed that you need will depend on the jobs you have to undertake, and the type of wood you’re about to use. If you’re new to the world of plunge routers you may not know what speed you will need, but after a while, you will understand which speeds you need and when.

If you are likely to need a variety of speeds, you may want to opt for a plunge router that can offer you varying speeds. Plunge routers typically offer you speeds between 8,000 RPM and 25,000 RPM, helping you to get a lot of different jobs done using one piece of equipment.

Please note that the size of the bit will determine the maximum speed that it can be used at:

Bits of up to 1 inch can be used at a maximum of 24,000 RPM.

Bits that have a diameter of 1 to 2 inches can be used at a maximum of 18,000 RPM.

Bits that have a diameter of 2 to 2 ½ inches can be used at a maximum of 16,000 RPM.

Bits that have a diameter of 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches can be used at a maximum of 12,000 RPM.

Model

The model that you end up buying will depend on a few factors:

How much you would like to spend:

If you would like to spend as little as possible on your new plunge router, you might have to accept that you won’t get a top quality model. Many plunge routers are sold for at least $200, but you can buy routers that cost a little less. If you would like to use a top-quality plunge router, you may have to spend more than $250.

How often you are likely to use the plunge router:

If you plan to use your new router once or twice a year you may as well invest in a cheap model. However, if you plan to use your new plunge router fairly frequently, you should be prepared to pay at least $200 for a reliable model.

Weight

Plunge routers do tend to weight quite a bit, simply because they have a large motor, different plates, and they need to be supported by the user. If you would like to opt for the lightest plunge router possible, you should think about opting for the mid-range priced models as these tend to be slightly lighter than the cheapest models. If you are going to be using the plunge router quite a lot, you should also look for a plunge router that is comfortable to use and easy to control. Again, mid-range priced models tend to be the most comfortable to use

Questions

Why would I need a plunge router?

Plunge routers tend to be a lot more versatile than many other types of router. Plunge routers are absolutely ideal for use in creating dado cuts, blind grooves, mortising operations, and fluting, to name but a few. A plunge base moves up and down offering users the chance to cut at different depths while you control the horizontal movements.

A plunge router is so good at cutting at different depths that users who need to make very small adjustments to depths often find that a plunge router is the most useful tool around. Other tools may be able to do the same job, but they may not be as easy to control, and they may not have the same quality of finish. Use a plunge router and get a good quality finish while having complete control over the job.

Should you get the same brand router bits?

It’s likely that your new plunge router will come with a variety of bits, but you may need to replace them at some point. Some router bits can be quite expensive, so you may be tempted to purchase similar and compatible router bits that cost less. There is no guarantee that cheaper compatible bits will fit into the router and work just as well, which means you will be taking a bit of a risk buying them.

Using the same brand router bits means that you know those bits are compatible with your new plunge router, and those bits are likely to be slightly better quality that compatible bits, depending on the brand that you buy. Ultimately it is up to you as to the brand of the bits that you buy, please just make sure that the bits fit tightly and securely so that there is little chance of them coming loose when you’re using them.

If the bit that you have purchased does not fit properly, please do not use it as it could cause serious injury if it comes loose.

Conclusion

Plunge routers are perfect for helping you to undertake jobs that involve you cutting into wood to create a patterned edge. We believe that the above 5 plunge routers are the best on the market right now, so all you need to do is choose the right plunge router for you, so you can get your jobs done quickly and efficiently.

If you have any other questions or worries please contact us, or if you have any comments or improvements please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.